Books for construction-loving kids
These picks cover the vehicles, people and processes that build our homes and cities, and two of them are perfect for bedtime.
I originally had a little intro about how our downtown district underwent a major facelift this summer and my construction-loving four-year-old son dragged our family to check the progress and watch the vehicles practically every day for the last six months, but right before publishing this, I changed my mind.
Instead, I want to give a shout out to all of you reading this who are undergoing your own construction projects. Whether you are trying to settle into a new season or build space for yourself in your current one, you are doing great.
If you are building your house into a home, nurturing your children into the little people they are becoming or settling into the person you are in whatever stage you’re in, keep going. The work you’re doing is important.
As the books below demonstrate, construction projects have so much going on behind the scenes. We get caught up in the flashy vehicles and end results, but we forget to acknowledge all the planning and hard, dirty work that got us there—and keeps things running.
So the next time you get tired and want to quit, please don’t. When you read these three construction books with your dump-truck loving little ones night after night and field questions about pile drivers and running electrical wires, remember that—just like a construction site—the work you are doing that no one sees makes all the difference.
“On the Construction Site” by Carron Brown
We were gifted this book by a wonderful aunt and uncle in September, and my four-year-old son has read it almost every night since. It is so cool!
The book outlines the process of building a skyscraper and shows little ones just how many people and resources are needed. But here’s the cool part: Your child can shine a flashlight behind each page to reveal a hidden image. For example, in the photo below of two workers looking at plans for a building, your child can shine a light behind the page to reveal what the plans actually look like.
This book reinforces the idea that every project has a lot of unseen work going on behind the scenes, and it prompts your little one to look closer to discover what’s happening.
I would say this one is best for ages 4+.
“Goodnight Goodnight, Construction Site” by Sherri Duskey Rinker
Nothing lulls a truck-loving toddler to sleep quite like reading about an excavator settling into his soft dirt bed. ;) In this bestselling book, read about how each vehicle on a construction site quiets down after a busy day and tucks themselves in for a restful night. (My kids love to count the cranes on the last page.)
This one is good for ages 2+.
“Someone Builds the Dream” by Lisa Wheeler
Full disclosure: I bought this book as a Christmas gift for my four year old, so he hasn’t actually read it yet, but I’m expecting him to love it.
This book explains all the people involved in various projects, including building a house, bridge, amusement park and even writing the book itself. It explains that someone came up with the idea (an architect, engineer, author, etc.), and then various craftsmen and workers brought it to fruition.
I like that this book goes beyond the vehicles on a construction site and discusses the people behind the process. It’s a unique take, and the illustrations are beautiful.
I would say this book is ideal for 4+, but I will report back on how my two year old feels about it. :)
“Go out more, keep cheerful as well as busy, for you are the sunshine-maker of the family, and if you get dismal there is no fair weather.” — Louisa May Alcott, “Little Women”
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Your intros always make me smile, Kristin! A great read 🚧 👷♂️💛!
We love Goodnight Construction Site! It’s one of my favourite books. I also like “Where do diggers sleep at night.”